Tag Archives: casement windows

A report by the BBC has found that the typical UK household is using less energy despite the growing economy.

This is good news for consumers with lower bills to pay and boosted by the fact that the use of gas for heating and water has declined by over a quarter in the past 10 years – partly down to the increased use of draught-proofing in old timber windows.

Interestingly, the digest of UK energy statistics claims that use of all energy in 2013 was at its lowest since 1985.

As sash window specialists, here at Ventrolla we are aware of the impact draughty, rotten and poorly maintained windows can have on your energy bills and the increased importance of energy-efficient measures to keep those bills down over the winter.

With over 30 years’ experience in the manufacture, installation and renovation of original timber sash windows, we have helped many people maintain the heritage of their windows while also helping to reduce their energy bills.

To find out more about Ventrolla’s services, call free on 0800 378 278 or click www.ventrolla.co.uk/downloads to download a copy of our new brochure.

As experts, Ventrolla understand how those little bumps, whistles and howls in the night can be very disconcerting, especially during the witching hour. However, these are probably nothing more than the draughts and rattles coming from an ill-fitting or damaged sash window or casement window and can be easily rectified with expert attention and a treat rather than a trick.

The unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) not only draft proofs the windows but it also improves the Window Energy Rating by up to 30%, significantly reducing energy loss, eradicating draughts and rattles and ensuring no further spooky goings on!

Likewise to solve that monstrously creaky door, Ventrolla offer a beautiful collection of period timber replacement doors. The Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian designs are available in treated softwood, hardwood and oak, and can be tailored to individual tastes with a wide range of authentic stained glass motifs. Alternatively your existing timber front door can be renovated and draught-proofed itself.

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Britain is an historic nation, there’s no doubt about that. From the Tudors to the Victorians and right up to the post-war era, Britain’s history has undoubtedly shaped the nation as we know it today.

However in a recent article in the Daily Telegraph, Director-General of the National Trust, Dame Fiona Reynolds voiced her concerns of how children today are increasingly unaware of the importance of British history and the impressive heritage it holds.

The paper reported that Dame Fiona said: “I worry, if I’m honest, about the teaching of history and geography in schools today.

Knowing and understanding about history gives us such an insight into the challenges of today… We need to remember our past and relish the extraordinary landscapes and experiences that have led to who we are today.”

Sharing in this philosophy, Ventrolla too has a passionate understanding of the importance of keeping our British heritage alive and has been proudly involved in many prestigious historic renovation projects up and down the country.

Likewise, the large renovation efforts at the University of Sheffield’s Grade II listed Sir Frederick Mappin Building, saw Ventrolla South Yorkshire transform 32 windows and revive the beautiful work of notable Architects Messrs Flockton and Gibbs, who designed the building in 1886.

This year has also seen Ventrolla involved in the renovation of Dublin’s famous General Post Office (GPO) which dates back over 200 years. The GPO was once headquarters for the leaders of the ‘Easter Rising’ in 1916 and is one of the most historic buildings in the city.

In these cases, the majority of problems faced by the experts were operational issues and draughts. Many of the windows were rotten, some leaked and most allowed draughts to sweep through the buildings.

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Trying to cut down on energy bills is a top priority for most homeowners. One of the most common ways people believe they can make their houses more energy efficient is by having double glazed windows.

It would seem that this would be a logical change to make with some reports suggesting that double glazing can cut heat loss by half, but is this strictly true?

Ventrolla have always championed renovation over double glazing. They strongly believe it is the best solution for retaining heat whilst saving money – the draught proofing will stop any warmth escaping thus making the windows more energy efficient.

Confusedaboutenergy.co.uk has explored the long held belief that double glazing saves you money on energy bills. They found this type of investment will take a long time to pay off – in the region of 80 years! This is based on the installation of double glazed windows costing around £5000.

Confusedaboutenergy.co.uk stresses a decision to have double glazing fitted should not be based on the idea that it will save you money.
There are other options available which are equally effective at retaining heat and reducing bills. Renovation is one of the favoured alternatives suggested by confusedaboutenergy.co.uk.

As window specialists for more than 25 years, Ventrolla offer a bespoke renovation service for timber sliding sash and casement windows. Using their unique Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) Ventrolla draught proof casement windows, timber doors and sash windows, which can significantly reduce heat loss, lowering your heating cost as well as your carbon footprint.

In addition, for homeowners living in listed buildings or conservation areas that would like to preserve the heritage and improve the value of their property, the Ventrolla system is the perfect solution.

With extensive experience of working on historic buildings, the treatment will offer the same solution to reduce heat loss and energy bills.

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In this edition we discuss the all new Part L changes and what these mean. Our article about “Why sash window renovation is proving a smarter move” explains why we recommend renovation above replacement.

The Autumn/Winter edition also talks about our new CPD – The Mythe Buster, which is approved by RIBA.

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When renovating casement or sash windows, our aim is to minimise Ventrolla’s impact on the environment and develop business practices that contribute to the sustainability of natural resources.

To meet our aims we are committed to:

Only sourcing and using timber from sustainable (managed) forests that meet recognised timber certification schemes such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or equivalent

Measure Ventrolla’s carbon footprint and minimise our carbon impact

Where practical, only using recycled materials and packaging

Liaising with our suppliers to keep packaging to a minimum

Minimise waste and where practical reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill

Recycling of waste materials and products, where possible

Minimising use of solvent based paints, during renovation work

Being aware of the chemicals we use and where practical, use only biodegradable chemicals

Implementing procedures to minimise noise disturbance to neighbours

Minimising our energy and fuel consumption

Maintaining equipment and vehicles on a regular basis

In addition to the above measures, offices throughout the Ventrolla network are introducing further measures to help contribute to reducing our carbon footprint, such as low emission vans in and around London.

The Ventrolla service itself contributes to saving energy, by focusing on the renovation of existing materials rather than replacing with new. This applies to both the timber and glass in the period windows we work with.

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While the government has confirmed a rise in the standard rate of VAT to 20%, a number of energy saving materials still qualify for a significantly reduced amount of tax.

This lower rate remains unchanged at 5% and is designed to encourage more widespread use of green materials in domestic building projects.

Draught insulation around windows and doors qualifies for the 5% rate, both in relation to the cost of the materials and the installation work. This includes the installation of the unique Perimeter Sealing System provided by Ventrolla as a way of improving the performance and energy efficiency of traditional wooden sash windows.

There are a number of other energy-saving materials and equipment that qualify for 5% VAT, such as wall and loft insulation, solar panels, water turbines and wood fuelled boilers. Your building contractor should be able to clarify exactly what work attracts the reduced rate.

It is worth remembering that secondary or double glazing isn’t covered by the scheme. Neither is new joinery including replacement sills, sashes or complete window units.

Ventrolla can assist with the renovation of sliding sash windows, casement windows and timber doors on all manner of period properties.

Renovation often works out significantly cheaper than outright replacement, while also helping the homeowner retain original features – which is always desirable when it comes to resale.